Saturday, December 3, 2016

Let Suffering Convert to Compassion

Without having been
deprived of compassion we don’t really understand compassion’s importance; its
basis as the meaning of life, providing purpose which drives us along in our
living the abundant life of loving others.

We don’t see the
point to suffering until we find that something is being added to us that we
would not have if we weren’t otherwise deprived. If not for pain there are
degrees of depth we would never know.

God’s purpose in
suffering is to teach us what everyone needs though being deprived of it.
Everyone needs compassion. But many can only receive it, for it’s necessary
that we receive it when we need it. And when we need it, and then receive it,
God teaches us that our need mirrors others’ needs, so we’re then able to see
their need, and at the same time we’re equipped to give it.

But not everyone who
suffers receives the gift of compassion. Some push it away. Others never quite
understand that it’s in weakness that we’re blessed with another’s strength;
that it’s in the experience the vulnerability that we receive God’s love
through the love of others. Some turn out cynical and the hope is spoiled out
of them. Others miss out and their hope dies, until at a later time, possibly,
it is rekindled by a kind soul or souls who love them extraordinarily.

Compassion comes
naturally, without pain, to few people. These are especially blessed, but
they’re enigmas. Most of us need to be taught through the pains of injustice.

Don’t resent the
lesson for the lesson has a purpose. Don’t deny what’s occurred. Be hurt, but
don’t stay hurt. Don’t delay God’s purpose by refusing to learn through
insight. Sure, it’s tough! But it won’t always be like this. Be determined to
learn, and avoid cynicism at all costs. Stay soft of soul.

Pain turns to
learning which turns to purpose as we grow in compassion. Learning compassion
is one purpose of enduring pain.